Stick Bond Dental

Fibre Reinforced Dental Composites

Fibre Technology turns impossible to possible

Written by Dr JJ Jansen van Rensburg - February 2005  - Read more about the author

Dental technology is rapidly progressing and the dental surgeon is expected to make use of it by choosing the most appropriate treatment option to suit every patient’s unique circumstances. Fibre technology has been helpful in my practice providing quick, easy and acceptable results in difficult situations.

 In the world of implantology many clinicians prefer extractions of first premolars to extensive and time consuming treatments involving root canal therapy, core build up and crown preparations. Due to the anatomy of these premolars (in many cases two thin roots) post preparation often ended up in root fractures or perforation of the roots. Many post-retained-crowned premolars have been extracted because of vertical fractures of the roots.  The same arguments apply also to the upper lateral incisors with their small and often curved roots.  Implantology to replace these teeth is sometimes contra indicated due to financial reasons or a lack of sufficient bone for implant placement, in these areas.

Fibre reinforced technology might be the treatment of choice to be considered in the future.  Stick Bond products have been helpful in my practice providing quick, easy and acceptable results in difficult situations.  I am sure every dentist can recall the” Friday 5 o’clock- patient”, who has just fractured his upper lateral incisor, at gum level – with no root canal therapy.  Typically, this patient has an important dinner appointment the same evening.  Thanks to Fibre technology, these situations no longer present a problem.  Bonding a direct fibre reinforced composite to the adjacent tooth would be an ideal solution, resulting in a very satisfied patient.

When deciding on a treatment option, special attention should be given to the following:

1.     Financial cost

2.     Duration of the whole treatment plan

3.     All possible complications

4.     Durability of the restoration

5.     Reversibility of restorations

6.     Conservation of natural tooth structure – 

        This should always be of high concern.

With Fibre technology, most of these criteria can be fulfilled.  This technology, using glass fibres, is one of the most exciting new developments in dentistry.  Impregnated glass fibres combined with the use of acid etched resin composites is revolutionizing modern cosmetic dentistry.

INCREASING WORK SATISFACTION…….

For me, as a practicing dentist, one of the most important advantages of Stick technology is the work satisfaction, obtained when using these fibre reinforced composites.

Working with composites is the most rewarding aspect of my daily work and Stick technology has enhanced this sense of satisfaction and has considerably expanded my field of preferred treatment procedures.  It is now possible to provide a patient with a restoration to replace missing teeth, without major preparations of the abutment teeth, impression taking, a follow up appointment (to place the restoration) and a technician’s bill.  It is very satisfying to build up an entire tooth using different shades of composites including transparent incisal composite to give it the desired natural look.  With Stick technology it is now possible to place a more reliable, durable, predictable and direct restoration to replace a missing tooth.  You will find that previously impossible treatments now become possible.

……AND MAKING MY BUSINESS MORE PROFITABLE

Gradually I am transforming my dental practice into a more Stick orientated practice.  I am spending more time doing the work I love most – fibre reinforced composite restorations.  I am also doing more and more indirect fibre reinforced composite crowns and bridges.  This means spending more time in the laboratory working on models, instead of  live and anxious patients.  Transforming the practice in this way, the amount of patients seen per day is less, resulting in a less stressful day for both staff and dentist.  There is also a much smaller technician’s bill to pay at the end of the month.  This is what most dentists are all looking for:  more work satisfaction, fewer patients per day (resulting in stress reduction), lower practice expenses, affordable treatment options, predictable results as well as a new challenge in this profession!  Most importantly, you'll find that you have satisfied patients, some of whom  excitedly refer to the Stick fibre reinforcement treatment result as a miracle.  All these advantages lead to a more intimate and easy to manage dental practice.

Stick technology has provoked in me a new interest in dentistry.  This technology has changed my practice into a more profitable business and a better work environment.  I am looking forward to new developments and new indications in Stick Bond’s products.

 Dr.JJJ Van Rensburg

Case Study:  Lost Crown and separated post